John Deere embraces a culture that is accepting and understanding, and works to include individuals and companies that fit with that culture. It’s a culture that reflects its global market, widens its business opportunities, attracts the best talent, and breathes life into the best teamwork.
John Deere shines the spotlight on women working in agriculture through a series of stories.
Surrounded by inspiring and powerful women
Working closely with farmers in Australia's agriculture industry in Central Queensland, Alexandria Galea is surrounded by inspiring and powerful women.
Based in Emerald, Alexandria is the Branch Manager of Cotton Growers Services’ (CGS) and although she has always had a deep passion for agriculture, she admits her current position isn’t a role she envisioned herself in when growing up on her family’s cotton and grains irrigation farm.
“Growing up I mostly saw the careers in agriculture being directly on farm,” Alexandria said.
“Between high school and university, I took a summer job with CGS and realised the magnitude of opportunities and roles within agriculture.
“All agriculture needs is people who are committed and have the right attitude, and there is certainly a lot of women like that. I have found the opportunities are endless.”
The summer job soon extended into a full gap year with CGS and Alexandria spent time doing roustabout work, which entailed everything from bug checking, to basic accounting and customer service.
A rewarding career
Following that year, she headed to university to study a Bachelor of Education, but about halfway through, discovered she had a penchant for agronomy.
So, after completing her degree, Alexandria opted to step straight into a pair of work boots to pursue a career in agronomy while obtaining her official qualification through distant learning.
Today, her manager’s position involves overseeing a team of five and continuing to work in the field.
“No day is ever the same, I spend most of my time on farms managing crops and giving consultancy advice on how farmers can achieve maximum yields with the current climatic conditions and resources they have,” she said.
“It’s incredibly rewarding, I think, when you can successfully help a farmer achieve an outcome they are striving for.”
Applying innovation to increase production
Alexandria also has a firm finger on the pulse of AgTech, so she can help producers apply innovation to increase production and profitability.
“Here in CQ, there is a wonderful agricultural community in which women have a strong and active presence, there are always opportunities for women to grow."
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